Chapter 14

Quick note before we get started here, if anybody that's able to PM me want to discuss chapter ideas, story suggestions, or just things I missed in the story or could try to fix, feel free to do that.

Now on with the story

Ezra landed the Starbird on the landing pad at the Wren's stronghold. While he was powering down the systems, he glanced over at Sabine, who seemed to be a bit distracted.

"Sabine," he said, getting her attention.

"Huh?" she blinked. "I'm sorry were you saying something?"

"No, I was about to say we're here," he said, smiling.

"Already?"

"Yup. Now let's go. I don't want to keep your family waiting," Ezra said, taking his fiance's hands and leading her to the open ramp.

Alrich, Tristan, and Ursa were already there to greet them.

"Sabine. Welcome home," Ursa said, giving her daughter a hug.

"It's good to be back, honestly," she said with a smile.

Ursa looked over at Ezra and nodded, "And as for you, Ezra..." she paused a moment. "Welcome back. I take it your trip went well?"

"It was mostly quiet, actually," Ezra said, nodding his own head in a small bow. "It's good to see all of you again in person."

"Always a pleasure," Alrich said shaking Ezra's hand.

"If you don't mind me asking," Ezra started. "What exactly do I wear for the wedding?"

"In all honesty, I don't know," Ursa said. "I mean, we've never had a Mandalorian marry a Jedi before. Speaking of which, as much as I'd like to not put you through this, you still have those Trials."

"Mother," Sabine started. "Can't we just leave those Trials alone for him? You should know I will marry him either way."

"I know you would, but it's Mandalorian tradition to put him through the Trials," Ursa said.

"I'm willing to go through with the Trials, if that's the way to do it," Ezra said.

"Ezra, are you sure about this?" Sabine asked, gripping his arm.

"Yes I'm sure," Ezra replied, calmly. He really wasn't afraid of what would happen.

"However, there is a quick change of plans," Ursa interrupted.

"Mother?" Sabine asked, worried for Ezra.

"We were originally going to have you duel Alrich, but I seemed to have forgotten he doesn't like that kind of fighting," Ursa said, obviously a bit embarrassed by the misunderstanding.

"It's not a... traditional test, but it's something that will grant him instant approval," Ursa began. "I'll brief you on everything in two hours."

"Wait, two hours?" Sabine asked.

"You want less time? I can arrange it," Ursa said.

"No it's just... I don't understand the two hour wait," Sabine replied.

"I believe she's allowing you and Ezra to get settled in first, and get something to eat. It's a long way from Yavin," Alrich said.

"Ah that makes more sense. Thank you, Countess Wren," Hera said.

"Speaking of food, have you all eaten yet?" Tristan asked.

"We were going to have something before we arrived, but we decided to eat here," Wedge said.

The Mandalorians looked at the group.

"I'm sorry I believe you haven't met before," Hera said. "This is Lieutenant Commander Wedge Antilles and Sergeant Katherine Gracen. Both members of Phoenix Squadron."

"You're both pilots?" Tristan asked.

"I am. She's the engineer," Wedge said.

"Hey, I can still pilot a starfighter," Katherine said.

"Oh yeah I almost forgot to mention she's also with our Special Operatives unit," Hera said.

"Special Operatives," Alrich said, impressed. "Specialize in infiltration if I remember correctly."

"Yes sir," Katherine said.

"Impressive. You have to have exceptional skills in engineering, piloting, hand-to-hand and ranged combat, etc."

"There's nothing I can't handle," Katherine said.

"Believe me when I tell you, Mandalorians are completely different than Imperial Stormtroopers and officers," Sabine said. "However long the Empire takes to realize you're not with them, we can do in not even a quarter of that time."

"Is that a challenge I hear?" Katherine said.

"As soon as we get back to Yavin, you're on," Sabine challenged.

"Aw do we have to wait until we get back to Yavin?" Katherine asked smiling.

"I don't think my clan would appreciate seeing a stranger sneaking around our stronghold," Sabine said.

"I know," Katherine said.

Two Hours Later

Ezra and Sabine walked into the briefing room in the Stronghold, where Ursa, Alrich, Hera, and Tristan were waiting. Kanan was meditating in the corner as usual.

"Right on time, Bridger," Ursa said, seemingly happy that he didn't keep them waiting any longer than they had to. "Let's get started, shall we?"

Ezra nodded, cueing Ursa to continue with the briefing. She signaled one of her warriors to activate to holoterminal, and a blue building appeared.

"This is an abandoned House Vizsla outpost about 20 Klicks from here," she began. "Or at least, we thought it was abandoned. We had scouts take a look at the old building, but they never returned. I believe that's where some of Saxon's supporters are hiding, otherwise there should have been no other way my warriors never returned home."

Sabine looked like she was going to protest Ezra's involvement, when Ursa continued.

"I don't wish to send you, but I'd like to preserve as many of my forces as I can, and you have something my warriors don't," she said.

"The Force," Ezra said, understanding.

"Exactly. You can sense whenever there is danger nearby, am I right?"

"Pretty much. But if I may ask, how many of your people did you send there?" Ezra asked.

"I had two squads investigate the first disappearance, then a fourth to just scout the perimeter. A total of 24 of our people are missing," Alrich said.

"And you want me to go find them and bring them home?" Ezra asked then.

"If you can that be great, but if anything we need detailed information on what's happening there," Tristan said.

"Before you get any ideas, you are going to need your armor for this job. Showing up looking like a Jedi will make you an important target for whoever could be there. We don't want to take chances of the Empire showing up on our doorstep, or any other hostile clans."

"Alright then, but my lightsaber stays with me," Ezra said.

"How will you conceal it on your armor?" Tristan asked.

"Sabine helped me set up a rig just on the back of the chestplate," Ezra explained.

"So you just use the Force to pull it out?" Tristan asked.

"That or just reach behind my back and pull it out. The saber will be magnetically attached to the center of my back," Ezra said.

"I want to go with him," Sabine said.

"I'm sorry, Sabine," Hera said. "But you're not allowed to do anything now that you're 3 months pregnant."

A mandalorian stepped up then. "Wait, you're pregnant?"

Sabine stared at the guy, but answered his question. "Yes... You didn't know?"

"Who's is it?" the man asked.

"It's... It's Ezra's child," Sabine said, a weirded out tone in her voice.

The guy turned and gave Ezra a death glare, "What is wrong with you, Jedi?"

"Woah now... There's no need for any of this," Ezra said backing away from him, holding his hands out.

"Derrick," Ursa said. The man looked over to the Countess.

"Things have changed. Seeing how well behaved Bridger and Jarrus are, we can accept them. As a matter of fact we already have," she said.

"Madam Wren," Derrick started, but was interrupted.

"We will not have this conversation right now," Alrich said. Though he wasn't much of a leader or military commander, he really knows how to give orders in his house.

"Yes sir," Derrick said, giving Ezra one last glare before leaving the room.

"What was that about?" Ezra asked.

"It's... complicated," Sabine said. "I can tell you later." She held his arm and rested her head on his shoulder.

"Back to the briefing," Ursa said. "This will not be a one day mission. It will take a few, depending on how fast you are."

"You're kidding!" Sabine exclaimed.

"Sabine, I'm sorry. I truly am," Ursa explained. "Ezra is our best chance at finding our people. If it will make you feel better, I won't send him alone."

She looked over to her warriors in the room and finished what she was saying, "He will be in charge of a small unit of four, but they will have to stay within no more than 20 meters."

Sabine sighed, only slightly relieved.

"At first I was thinking of sending him alone, but I suppose his actions at leading a strike team will also prove him worthy to marry... yet again, his willingness to go through with this is admirable enough," Ursa pointed out.

"Is there a time I should be back?" Ezra asked.

"Please no more than 4-5 days," Alrich said. He looked to Sabine, "That's as much time that we're giving him. Any longer and we would assume capture or... worse."

Sabine's eyes slightly widened, "I... E-Ezra..." She was staring at him, tears starting to fill her eyes. She didn't like where this was going and neither did he, but they both knew they couldn't leave those 24 warriors out there.

Hera spoke up then, "Will you let Katherine go with him? You already heard she specializes in infiltration, scouting, and stealth."

"I don't want you to risk any more of your people. We have warriors that are just as capable," Ursa said.

Hera nodded with understanding, "Very well."

Sabine never took her eyes off of Ezra, even after the briefing was concluded. They walked back to their quarters to get ready. After Sabine fastened the last piece of armor to Ezra's back, she wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his back.

"Sabine, I'm going to be alright," he said.

"I don't doubt it..." she started. "I'd prefer you do the usual trials instead of something this dangerous."

Ezra turned around to face her, and she looked up into his blue eyes.

"This is for your people. When I joined the Ghost crew, I swore I would help others no matter what was happening. I'm not turning my back on that," he said.

"Ezra..." she whispered.

"I will come back. Don't you worry about it," he said. "I'm not happy about this either and I wish it didn't all happen like this, but..."

Sabine interrupted him, "I understand, love." She pulled his head down and their lips connected. She kissed him with a passion, and he deepened the kiss.

A little while later, Ezra and Sabine were standing in front of a bunch of Balutar-class swoop speeders, each one had their chosen warrior except for one, which was Ezra's. It was specially painted for squad leaders or higher rank Mandalorian warriors.

Ursa was there to introduce the 4 Mandalorians chosen for this mission.

"Ezra Bridger," she said when she saw him approaching. "You seem to take good care of that armor."

"I do my best," he said receiving a smile from Sabine.

"I'd like to introduce you to your unit," Ursa said then.

There were two females and two males in his group. The two males were named Jax and Coren, and the females were Max and Jill.

"It's nice to meet all of you," Ezra said, nodding his head in a bow.

"Likewise, Commander," Jax said.

"We've heard a lot about you. For a Jedi you are very popular with us," Max said.

"It's a pleasure to be working with all of you. I take it you know what we have to do?" Ezra asked.

"Of course!" the four Mandalorians said.

Ezra grinned, "Alright. Anything before we go?"

Ursa shook her head, "I've told you and them all I know."

Sabine grabbed Ezra's hands and stared into his eyes. After a few seconds of silence, she placed her hand on his scarred cheek.

"Be careful, Ezra," she said.

"I will. Don't you worry," he said.

Sabine gave him a quick, loving kiss before he put his helmet on and climbed aboard his speeder.

"Alright, everyone follow me," he said, activating the waypoint systems on his bike and helmet.

Him and his group sped off in the direction of the fallen outpost as Sabine watched. Ursa stood next to her daughter, knowing she would need some company.

"You know I trust that boy. You should, too," she said.

"I do trust him. I know he won't fail," Sabine replied, holding back tears. "I hate being useless, mother. I want to be there with him."

"I know you do, sweetheart. But you wouldn't want to risk the life of your unborn child," Ursa pointed out. It was a fact that couldn't be countered.

"You're right... I should stop worrying all the time... but this could be Saxon's allies we're talking about," Sabine said.

"I'm sure Bridger can handle it. He is a Jedi, after all," Ursa said, comforting Sabine.

"Now... let's get you out of this cold. There's a storm approaching, but it won't take too long to pass," Ursa then said, escorting Sabine back inside.

"This weather is getting crazy!" Jax shouted through the comms in their helmets.

They were in the middle of a pretty big snow storm, just 5 clicks from the Stronghold. If their speeders were standard Mandalorian issue, the engines would've been frozen by now, but they are on a snowy world so it made sense they were modified for this weather.

"Max, is there a cave we could stay in until this storm passes?" Ezra asked.

"There should be one just up to our right, half a klick away," she replied.

"Roger that. Everybody still on me?" Ezra said.

"I'm here!" Coren said.

"As am I," Jill said.

Ezra already knew the other two were with him so they didn't have to answer. He spotted the cave and signaled the others to follow him in. Once under the cover of a lot of mostly frozen rock, they pulled out the heaters that were strapped onto their bikes.

"Jill, any idea when the storm will pass?" Ezra asked pulling off his snow covered helmet and brushing the snow off his shoulders.

"Should take a couple hours. What do you think we should do while we wait?" she asked.

"Well, I know what I'm doing," Jax said. "I'm taking a nap."

"I'll keep watch at the entrance," Max said, getting up and walking to the entrance of the cave.

"Jill, you want to explore this cave? Make sure there's nothing dangerous living in here?" Coren asked.

"There isn't anything alive in here except for the five of us," Ezra said.

"How do you know?" Jill asked.

"He's a Jedi, remember?" Coren said.

"Oh... right," she said, slightly embarrassed. "Sorry about that."

"No harm done. Just stay in touch," Ezra said.

"Wait, what are you going to do, sir?" Coren asked then.

Ezra sat on his knees and closed his eyes, "Meditate. Makes the time fly for me."

"Alright then," Jill said.

"By the way, if you come back and see rocks or other things floating, that's my fault," Ezra said with a grin.

"Oh well, it might make some good shooting practice," Coren laughed.

"Alright, you wanted to explore this cave. Let's go," Jill said.

As the two walked deeper into the cave, Ezra started focusing on the Force. He made sure to keep track of all four Mandalorians in his group, and also thought often of Sabine during those 2 hours.

One hour later

"Ezra..." a voice called. "Hello! Krownest to Commander Bridger!"

Ezra opened his eyes to see Max in front of him. She sighed with relief when she saw his eyes.

"It's about time you woke up. I thought it would have been impossible to wake you up," she said.

"Has it been two hours already?" Ezra asked.

"Nope, but the storm's cleared up quite a bit. I just need your opinion," she said standing up.

Ezra followed her to the cave entrance and saw the snowfall has indeed lightened up significantly.

"Jax, will our speeders work in deep snow?" Ezra asked.

"They should be able to. I mean they are modified for snow," Jax replied.

"It's going to take a little time for our speeders to warm up," Coren added.

"How long?" Ezra asked.

"Depends. Considering how cold they feel, I'd say about 5 to 10 minutes," he said. "Yeah though they're modified for snow, it takes too damn long to warm them up."

"While we're waiting," Max started. "What's up with you and Sabine?"

Ezra stared at her in shock. "You mean you don't already know?"

"Know what?" she asked.

"Well um... We're engaged..." Ezra said.

"What?" Max asked, completely surprised.

"He said they're engaged, Max," Jax said.

"I know what he said!" Max yelled.

"And she's pregnant, too," Ezra quickly added.

"You son-of-a-gun," Coren said, grinning. "Congrats man."

"Son or Daughter?" Max asked, suddenly a bit interested.

"We're having a baby girl in about...5 months," Ezra said.

"She's three months pregnant? Wow it doesn't look much like that," Jill said.

Ezra put his helmet on, mostly to hide his face since he was blushing hard.

"Ezra, you alright?" Max asked.

"Yeah," he said. "Just feeling cold."

Suddenly there was a loud roar from outside the cave, making everybody jump to their feet. All the Mandalorians had their weapons drawn, and Ezra almost pulled out his lightsaber, but remembered he should use it unless he absolutely had to. Instead he just pulled out his two WESTAR-35 blaster pistols.

"Max and Coren, with me. Jax, Jill, support us from here," Ezra ordered. He heard a bunch of 'yes sir's and mentally groaned.

'I really hate all the formality' he thought to himself.

He slowly walked up to the cave entrance, whispering to Max.

"What's the wildlife here like?" he asked.

"Mostly peaceful, though there is one hostile creature we've come across more than once," she whispered in reply.

Ezra looked around the corner and froze. Right in front of him, no more than two feet, was a large, white wolf type creature. It reminded Ezra of the Loth-wolf, only this thing had more teeth, was much larger, and did not look very friendly... and it was looking right at him.

Slowly he raised a hand and motioned for the others to back up, slowly.

Right when he was about to move he sensed danger and it was obvious from where it was coming from. He jumped from the cave entrance into the snow right as the creature snapped its jaws at the rocks, trying to kill Ezra. He turned around, his Westar-35s aimed right at the creature, and shot at it. But whatever this thing was, the shots only pissed it off. All the other Mandalorians started firing at the creature as well, but that didn't seem to help either.

"What the kriff is this thing!" Ezra shouted.

"It's a Prowler!" Max replied, just barely dodging and attack from the Prowler's claws.

"You're going to have to fill me in on details!" Ezra said back.

"Big, deadly, hairy wolf like creature that wants to kill everything. That good enough for ya?" Max replied.

"Yup! Definitely good enough," Ezra said sarcastically, but was hit by it's tail. He flew back and hit a tree, hard. He dropped to one knee and shook his head, dazed from the hit.

"Kriff this armor is really good!" Ezra exclaimed, mostly to himself.

He activated his comm to speak to the rest of his squad.

"How do we kill it?" he asked.

"That's the problem!" Jax replied. "We don't know the best way to kill it. It's a tough creature."

"Well mighty Jetii," Max started. "Now might be a good time to use that jetii'kad of yours!" (Jetii=Jedi; Jetii'kad=Lightsaber)

"Yeah I was about to use it," Ezra said, locking his pistols in their holsters.

He charged the creature and got its attention. Just when the Prowler was going to smack him with it's massive paws, Ezra jumped and used the Force to bring his lightsaber to his hands. One of the Prowler's arms was about to hit Max, but coincidentally enough, that's where Ezra was about to land. As he dropped to the ground, he sliced the arm off the Prowler and simultaneously Force pushed it away. He landed on the ground, his lightsaber already deactivated. The Prowler roared in pain, recoiling from the sudden loss of its arm. Ezra quickly looked up and reactivated his lightsaber. Good timing, too, because the Prowler did something he didn't expect. It flicked its tail and shards of ice flew straight at him. He stopped one shard, then another. It was no different than deflecting blaster bolts, but much slower. He then had an idea. When the Prowler launched more ice shards at him, he held out his hand and focused. The ice just floated in midair and turned around, now pointed back at the Prowler. With small burst of will, the ice shards flew straight into the Prowler. It howled and began to retreat, realizing it can't win.

All the Mandalorians stood still in shock.

"Holy kriff," Max said, breaking the silence. "That. Was. AWESOME!"

"We should keep moving. There's still another 15 clicks to our destination. Those speeders should be warmed up now," Ezra said. Once he was set on a mission, his focus is set... mostly.

"Not going to argue against that," Jax said.

Ezra reached behind his back and the magnetic lock on his back gripped his lightsaber.

Pretty soon, they were all moving again, their tracking systems active so they could know where to go and what to avoid.

Back in the stronghold, Sabine felt a small kick and smiled softly.

"What is it, ad'ika?" she cooed, rubbing her belly. (In Mando'a= Yai = Belly, Womb)

She felt two more small kicks, then it stopped. Kanan walked into the room, and immediately Sabine started asking questions.

"Do you know what she was kicking about?" she asked, looking at her belly.

"Whatever she felt, I felt it, too," Kanan said. "Ezra was just fighting something big, and won."

"How do you know he won?" Sabine asked.

"Because there's no major disturbance and your child isn't trying to kick her way out of you," Kanan said, almost laughing.

Sabine smiled softly, "I guess so."

She then realize Kanan kept saying 'her' when he was talking about the child, and she doesn't remember telling anybody she's having a baby girl.

"How did you know I was having a baby girl?" Sabine asked.

"Same way Ezra found out," he replied.

"The Force, of course," Sabine said grinning. "You're not going to tell anybody are you?"

"I won't tell a soul," he said.

"Good because if you did, I was going to get some people on you," Sabine said.

"I don't doubt it. You should get some rest. It's starting to get dark," Kanan said as he left the room.

Sabine leaned her head back onto the couch's armrest, rubbing her belly. She really couldn't wait until her child was with them, but that's not going to be for another 5 months.

Honestly I really can't wait until I'm able to add Mira into the story (Sorry, but you already know the gender of the baby so why not say it now?)

I hope this was alright with you guys.